Denver is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, and rock climbers are no exception. With its proximity to rugged terrain, towering cliffs, and an endless variety of climbing routes, Denver offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and challenging rock formations for climbers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a leisurely climb or an expert seeking a thrilling challenge, Denver has something for everyone.
In this post, we’ll explore the best places for rock climbing in and around Denver, highlighting the unique features of each spot, the difficulty levels, and what to expect during your climb. From indoor climbing gyms to world-renowned outdoor climbing areas, get ready to discover the top spots for rock climbing in the Mile-High City.
1. Clear Creek Canyon: A Gem for All Climbers
Why It’s a Must-Visit
Located just 30 minutes from downtown Denver, Clear Creek Canyon is one of the most popular and accessible climbing spots in the area. Known for its scenic beauty and variety of routes, Clear Creek Canyon offers something for everyone—from beginners to seasoned pros. The canyon features towering cliffs, limestone walls, and over 100 climbing routes, making it a prime destination for outdoor rock climbing.
What to Expect
- Variety of Routes: Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, Clear Creek Canyon has a variety of routes to suit all skill levels. The routes range from 5.6 to 5.13, so there’s something for everyone, including trad climbing, sport climbing, and bouldering.
- Scenic Views: One of the best things about climbing in Clear Creek Canyon is the stunning views. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the canyon, Clear Creek, and the surrounding foothills. It’s a climb that combines both adventure and natural beauty.
- Accessibility: Clear Creek Canyon is a short drive from Denver, making it a convenient climbing spot for locals and visitors alike. The area has easy access to climbing areas with many bolted routes, making it a favorite among sport climbers.
- Family-Friendly: This spot is ideal for families and beginners. There are easier routes that are perfect for learning the ropes and having a great time while enjoying the outdoors.
Best For: Beginners, sport climbers, and those seeking a scenic and easily accessible climbing experience near Denver.
2. Eldorado Canyon State Park: Classic Climbs with Stunning Views
Why It’s a Must-Visit
For climbers looking for a mix of challenging routes and breathtaking scenery, Eldorado Canyon State Park is a must-visit destination. Located just 20 miles south of Denver, this park is famous for its stunning sandstone cliffs, dramatic rock formations, and long-established climbing routes. It is one of the most iconic climbing destinations in Colorado and draws climbers from all over the world.
What to Expect
- Challenging Routes: Eldorado Canyon offers a variety of climbing experiences, from trad climbs to sport routes. The park features a range of difficulty levels, with routes ranging from 5.6 to 5.13, catering to climbers of all skill levels. Popular routes such as the Redgarden Wall and The Bastille are classic climbs that offer both technical challenges and stunning views.
- Scenic Beauty: The park is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, providing incredible views of the canyon, jagged cliffs, and expansive meadows. The surrounding landscape makes Eldorado Canyon an unforgettable place to climb.
- Classic Climbing: Eldorado Canyon is home to some of the most classic climbs in the region. The towering sandstone walls offer a true test of skill, and it’s considered one of the best places in Colorado for traditional (trad) climbing.
- Hiking and Wildlife: In addition to climbing, Eldorado Canyon is great for hiking and wildlife watching. If you’re looking to make it a full outdoor adventure, you can explore the park’s other activities after a day of climbing.
Best For: Experienced climbers looking for challenging trad and sport routes, as well as those who want to experience classic Colorado climbing.
3. Garden of the Gods: Breathtaking Rock Formations and Easy Access
Why It’s a Must-Visit
Located in Colorado Springs, about an hour south of Denver, Garden of the Gods is a renowned climbing destination known for its stunning red rock formations and dramatic scenery. This public park offers a unique climbing experience with its impressive spires, balanced rocks, and scenic views of the snow-capped Pikes Peak.
What to Expect
- Beginner-Friendly: Garden of the Gods is a great spot for climbers of all experience levels. It offers a range of easy-to-moderate routes for beginners as well as more challenging options for advanced climbers. Routes are mostly trad climbs, with some bolted routes available.
- Breathtaking Scenery: One of the highlights of climbing at Garden of the Gods is the incredible natural beauty. The park is home to stunning red sandstone rock formations, and as you climb, you’ll be treated to views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding Colorado Springs landscape.
- Top-Notch Views: The park’s unique rock formations make for a visually striking climb. Notable formations like The Sleeping Giant and The Cathedral Spires are popular climbing targets, offering both difficulty and stunning surroundings.
- No Permit Needed: One of the best things about Garden of the Gods is that it’s free to climb in the park, and no special permits are required. This makes it a great spot for both locals and visitors to enjoy a spontaneous climb without any hassle.
Best For: Beginners and intermediate climbers, as well as those looking for a scenic and accessible climbing experience with beautiful views.
4. Boulder Canyon: A Diverse Range of Climbs
Why It’s a Must-Visit
Located just outside of Boulder, Boulder Canyon offers some of the best rock climbing in Colorado. The canyon is filled with towering cliffs, granite walls, and a wide variety of climbing routes for climbers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or expert climber, Boulder Canyon has something to offer.
What to Expect
- Variety of Routes: Boulder Canyon is known for its diversity of climbing options. From bouldering to trad and sport climbing, the canyon offers routes of all types and difficulty levels. Whether you’re looking for long multi-pitch climbs or short bouldering problems, Boulder Canyon has it all.
- Granite Walls: The canyon features granite rock formations that provide a different climbing experience than the sandstone walls found in other areas. The rough granite offers excellent friction and challenging moves, making Boulder Canyon a favorite among serious climbers.
- Scenic Views: The canyon is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. As you climb, you’ll be treated to views of Boulder’s foothills, the Flatirons, and the surrounding wilderness, making it a visually rewarding experience.
- Accessibility: Boulder Canyon is easily accessible from the city of Boulder, with plenty of parking options and trailheads nearby. The proximity to the city makes it an ideal spot for a quick climbing session.
Best For: Climbers of all levels, especially those looking for variety in their climbing routes and the opportunity to experience both bouldering and sport/trad climbing.
5. Red Rocks Park: A Unique Climbing Experience with Stunning Views
Why It’s a Must-Visit
For climbers who are looking for something truly unique, Red Rocks Park in Morrison offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Located just outside of Denver, Red Rocks is more commonly known for its world-famous amphitheater and music venue, but it’s also home to incredible climbing routes that wind through its striking red rock formations.
What to Expect
- Distinctive Red Rock Formations: The park’s striking red sandstone formations offer a one-of-a-kind climbing experience. The unique geological features provide a variety of climbing challenges and are perfect for climbers who want to experience something different.
- Climbing Routes for All Levels: While many of the routes at Red Rocks are traditional (trad) climbs, the park also has sport climbing routes for those looking for something more accessible. The climbs range from beginner-friendly to advanced, so climbers of all skill levels can find something to suit their abilities.
- Breathtaking Views: As you climb, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding foothills and the Denver skyline in the distance. The park’s natural beauty makes it a rewarding experience both for the climb and the scenery.
- Popular for Both Sport and Trad Climbers: Red Rocks Park is a favorite spot for sport and trad climbers alike. The park’s combination of easy access, varied climbing routes, and iconic rock formations makes it a must-visit location for anyone looking to climb in Denver.
Best For: Climbers who are looking for a unique and visually stunning experience with a mix of trad and sport climbing.
Conclusion: Discover the Best of Denver’s Rock Climbing Scene
Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend adventure or a visitor wanting to experience the best rock climbing that Denver has to offer, there’s no shortage of fantastic climbing spots in and around the city. From the iconic sandstone cliffs of Eldorado Canyon State Park to the unique rock formations at Red Rocks Park, Denver offers a wealth of climbing opportunities for all skill levels.
So, pack your gear, lace up your climbing shoes, and get ready to explore the incredible climbing destinations in Denver. Whether you’re scaling rugged rock faces in Clear Creek Canyon or enjoying a scenic climb in Garden of the Gods, Denver promises an unforgettable climbing experience.
